We all know that in dreams people confuse dream phenomena with reality by engaging in those scenarios. They don’t realize that it is only a dream until they wake up. What most people don’t know is that our daytime activities are also a dream, in which our minds are constantly engaged in images from our memories and regarding those as real. How can this all be a dream?

On Friday, May 1, 2009, CMC presented "The Truman Show" as part of Movies and Mind, where films are screened and discussed from a Buddhist perspective. Truman (or "True-Man"), the protagonist, is living in a reality television show, complete with placement ads, and is the only person who doesn't realize it.

On three consecutive Saturdays, March 7, 14, and 21, 2009, Dr. David Slaymaker taught a class on introductory concepts in Buddhism, titled, "Dharma 101: The Four Noble Truths" at CMC. The class was based on Master Sheng Yen’s booklet, "Setting in Motion the Dharma Wheel". Dr. Slaymaker used an interactive and experiential approach to teaching this subject.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009, Harry Miller, who studied with Master Sheng Yen for over 30 years, gave a talk at CMC entitled, "Living the Heart Sutra: What's an Ordinary Sentient Being to Do?" Handouts on the structure of the Heart Sutra, a literal translation of the sutra based on the Chinese, and a commonly known version of the sutra were distributed to the audience.

On Sunday, April 12, 2009, Bill Wright gave a dharma talk entitled, "Bodhidharma and the Spirit of Chan", based on the booklet, "In the Spirit of Chan" written by Master Sheng Yen. This booklet is a summary of the origins of Chan and Chan theory and practice based primarily on the teachings of Bodhidharma.

Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) hosted a 3-Day Retreat for College Students on April 17 through 19, 2009 at Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, NY. 27 participants from Columbia University, MIT, Penn State University and other colleges, as well as young professionals attended the retreat. Chang Wen Fashi, the current resident teacher at DDRC, and Chang Yu Fashi from Chan Meditation Center, led the retreat.